Stiliyan Petrov - update

[charlie]

I hope in some way, in some honorary capacity, Stan's future links with the club can be formalised. He was a great player, he is a brilliant person and it may well be fitting for his future to be associated in some way with the club. It is easy for ex players, even the greatest ones, to drift into obscurity, no matter how well meaning everyone is at the point of departure.A means of making the link permanent , not onerous but easy, allows the player to feel properly remembered despite the passage of time and the change of administrations.

[mattjpa]

T-Shirt

T-Shirt

T-Shirt

Just bought one and will be donning it for wigan

[mrfuse]

Lovely statement from Stan ...I seem to be having problems with my contact lenses.

I briefly met Stan and his family who were all lovely and wish them all the best for the future. Its great to see such positivity coming from him and he puts in as much work (that guy didn't half sweat for the cause) as he did for us then he will be just as successful in his new venture.

I don't suppose we will see him at any point on Saturday will we?

[SheffieldVillain]

A statement typical of the man. Dignity, class, passion.

Thanks for everything Stan. You'll be remembered at Villa long after far more talented players have been forgotten.

Whatever you choose to do with your life, be happy and healthy.

[sid1964]

Best of luck, i truly hope that you will lead a full and happy life, and see your children grow up.

[andyh]

The friggin' dust in this place !!

I echo the sentiment that he should lead the team out at the start of the match, can't pressure be exerted somewhere to make it happen ?

Very, Very best wishes skip....keep fighting. 

[Tuscans]

Of all the games I have been too, yea its only 25 or so, I would give them all up just to go Villa Park on Saturday.

You're a man of class, bravery and much much more Stan.

[PeterWithesShin]

Stan Petrov will lead the team out for their traditional lap of appreciation at the end of the Chelsea game.

It's a regular occurrence for the players to walk around the Villa Park pitch when the final whistle blows on the home campaign.

It will happen once again on Saturday but with Petrov at the front of the queue.

It will give Petrov a chance to thank fans for their remarkable levels of support since his diagnosis with leukaemia and supporters the opportunity to pay tribute their club captain.

Fans have clapped heartily on the 19th minute of every game since news of his illness came out.

And this, says Petrov, has been a major source of inspiration as he's fought a courageous battle.

Petrov said: "I want to thank the fans of Aston Villa, the fans of Celtic, the Bulgarian fans and fans of football all over the world who have helped me through the past year with their incredible displays of support and with their personal, moving messages.

"Also I would like to thank all of the managers I have worked under and all of the team-mates I have played alongside. I loved playing football with all of you and you will always remain in my heart.

"I am moving on and I am excited by this.

"There is a deep joy in my heart because of what you have shared with me, not only in this past year but over the years I have been in football. I felt privileged. I still do. I always will."

[UK Redsox]

I'm not in favour of Stan leading the post match lap.

I'd much prefer to see him lead the teams out before the game or preferably be presented on the pitch individually at half time.

I know that there have been some encouraging performances this season from the likes of Tekkers, Brad Jr, Matt, Andi and (lately) Gabby.
However, when taking the whole team over the whole season, I don't think that a post match "lap of appreciation" has been earned.

With my cynical/conspiracy head on, could having Stan lead the lap be a way of preventing what is politely called "a mixed reaction" from the crowd ?

[Dave Clark Five]

Having just read the full statement I'm sitting here with a tear in my eye, it certainly puts this season's trials and tribulations on the pitch into true perspective.

Good luck Stan, stay well.

I fully concur with this statement. The Sahara Desert sand cloud is certainly doing the rounds today.

It will be a very emotional moment at Villa Park on Saturday if Stan comes onto the pitch or just waves from the stands.

The support for Stan has been brilliant this year, with a great deal of it coming from our opponents and their fans.
Those who have not joined in have probably bowed to cowardly peer pressure, while feeling sympathy inwardly and I doubt if there are many in the world of football that don't feel great sadness at how this disease strikes people but still appreciate the hope that medical science has given us with treating it.
If football can be one vehicle for spreading the word then at least we can get the message across to more people.

[DR PETERS]

Hope we find a place for him in the coaching set up somewhere, I am sure Randy will help out with the foundation.

With regards to Saturday I think he should lead the team out. Also wouldn't it be a great gesture if the game was stopped in the 19th minute so fans, players and officials can join in the applause?

Two teams did it recently for a Croatian Goalkeeper who died, maybe someone should have a quiet word with both sets of players

[Dave Clark Five]

I forgot to add my best wishes to Stan and his family for the future and my appreciation for his years as a Villa stalwart.

[danno]

Just watched the video on the official site of his goals. He scored some crackers! it cheered me up a little bit.
I think goals wise he was probably having his best season last year.

[fbriai]

What a great bloke. Good luck, Stan.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

A statement typical of the man. Dignity, class, passion.

Thanks for everything Stan. You'll be remembered at Villa long after far more talented players have been forgotten.

Whatever you choose to do with your life, be happy and healthy.

This.

Dignity, class, passion - everything we love about our club summed up in one man's characteristics. He'll be missed.

Good luck, Stan. You did us proud.